A pilot study into a possible relationship between diet and stuttering

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests copper metabolism may influence stuttering.
• Dietary intake's role in stuttering has not been systematically investigated.
• Copper and thiamine (vitamin B1) are essential nutrients with potential neurological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between ingested copper and thiamine levels and stuttering frequency.
• To investigate the impact of copper and thiamine supplementation on stuttering in adults.
• To utilize a double-blind, cross-over, longitudinal study design.

Main Methods:

• 19 adults (20-51 years) who stutter participated over 9 weeks.
• Online surveys included self-assessed fluency, mood, and food journals.
• A double-blind, cross-over design involved copper and thiamine supplementation with washout periods.
• Formal speech assessments were conducted at baseline and post-supplementation.

Main Results:

• Copper and thiamine supplementation did not significantly affect stuttering frequency based on self and formal assessments.
• A moderate, significant correlation was observed between mood state and fluency.
• No measurable effect of dietary copper or thiamine on stuttering was detected.

Conclusions:

• Findings do not support the hypothesis that dietary copper or thiamine influences stuttering.
• A relationship between variations in stuttering and self-perceived anxiety is modestly supported.
• Further research on the interplay between mood and stuttering is warranted.